The new year has finally arrived! Like many of us, your list of resolutions is probably centered on self-improvement. Whether you plan to eat healthier, commit to an exercise regimen, or simply devote more time to others, New Year’s resolutions are a great way to renew your focus and become a better version of yourself.
If you are still in search of a resolution that you can keep for the entirety of 2015 (and hopefully for many years after!), Amherst, NY dentist Dr. Neuhaus of Creekside Dentistry would like to offer a simple solution: be kind to your teeth! Your teeth are not only aesthetically important, but good oral health is critical for total body health. Making a renewed effort to improve your oral health can be as simple as tweaking your diet to avoid foods that are detrimental to your pearly whites. Not convinced? Consider this… because these offending foods are sugary and high in calories, making these tiny adjustments in the foods you eat will not only keep your teeth in tip top shape, but it could also help you reach your fitness and wellness goals as well!
Here is a list of foods and beverages that Dr. Neuhaus suggests limiting as much as possible:
- Hard candies are full of sugar and can even trigger a dental emergency such as a chipped or cracked tooth.
- Ice. This may seem counterintuitive since water is vitally important, but chewing on ice can cause cracked enamel. Do yourself a favor and stick to water in its liquid form
- Citrus such as lemon or lime is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel and irritate mouth sores.
- Dried fruit and other sticky foods are your mouth’s worst foe. While dried fruit appears to be an appealing alternative to candy, it also contains added sugar and can cause significant damage due to its tendency to linger on teeth.
- Alcohol can cause dehydration and reduced saliva over time, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
We understand that the foods listed are indeed delicious and may be difficult to avoid entirely, but remember to rinse the mouth with water, brush and floss diligently if you do decide to indulge!